Cameron backs public inquiry into NotW hacking claims

'It is absolutely disgusting, what has taken place'

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Prime Minister David Cameron has today backed calls for public inquiries into the "absolutely disgusting" phone hacking allegations against The News of the World.

Speaking in Westminster at his weekly PMQs, Cameron said he wanted inquiries not only into those claims against the News Corp-owned newspaper, but also to look at the original police investigation as well as consider broader journalistic methods employed by newspapers.

"We do need to have an inquiry, possibly inquiries, into what has happened," said Cameron.

"We are no longer talking here about politicians and celebrities, we are talking about murder victims, potentially terrorist victims, having their phones hacked into. It is absolutely disgusting, what has taken place, and I think everyone in this House and indeed this country will be revolted by what they have heard and what they have seen on their television screens."

However, he declined to back Labour leader Ed Milliband's call for the resignation of News International's CEO Rebekah Brooks, who edited the Sunday tabloid in 2002, when it is said that the phones of bereaved families were hacked.

The PM also batted away suggestions that News Corp's bid to buy BSkyB should be deferred to the Competition Commission.

Earlier today, Ofcom boss Ed Richards told The Register and other reporters that any recommendation to block Murdoch's bid to buy BSkyB could not be put forward until facts in the case are established.

"We will consider our position only once the police investigation is complete ... then we’ll look at it, if we need to," said the chief communications watchdog. ®